Suffolk County's campground options offer a mix of woodland and seaside experiences within driving distance of Rocky Point. The region features varied terrain from pine barrens to oceanfront settings with elevation changes primarily near the north shore bluffs. Most camping areas remain open seasonally from spring through fall, though several county parks maintain winter availability for campers seeking off-season experiences.
What to do
Hiking trails near water bodies: Cathedral Pines County Park provides wooded hiking opportunities with minimal elevation changes. A camper noted, "Cathedral Pines has pretty cool little spot with decent fire pits and grills. The further camps are very far from facilities and the ones closer to the bathrooms are usually louder."
Beach access options: Smith Point County Park provides direct beach access with minimal walking required. "Short walk to beach. 1 minute walk over the dune to the Atlantic ocean," explains one visitor, while another mentions, "Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass."
Wildlife observation: Blydenburgh County Park offers wildlife spotting opportunities around its central lake. A reviewer shared, "Great park with a nice 7 mile loop around the lake with decent fishing. Lots of horses and dogs on the trail." Another visitor mentioned encountering "wildlife: deer, rabbits, turtles" during their stay.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Cathedral Pines County Park provides more secluded camping experiences than other nearby options. "Wooded sites are lovely. RV sites in large field," explains one visitor, while another described it as "a pretty spacious park, very quiet, nice people, but not very many electric sites."
Beach proximity: Watch Hill Fire Island Campground allows campers to experience oceanfront camping with ferry access. "Beautiful location steps away from the beach. Listen to the waves crashing as you sleep and stargaze over the clear ocean," shares one visitor. Another notes its backcountry potential: "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Southaven County Park receives high marks for family use. "Perfect place to take the little ones has a beautiful lake and a really nice playground highly recommended," explains a camper. Another visitor mentioned, "Great Location Clean Park" when describing their experience.
What you should know
Mosquito preparations: Insect protection ranks high for campgrounds near Rocky Point. At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, a camper warned, "We were immediately getting attacked so we doused ourselves in deet. Even with the bug spray, the relief didn't last long." Another simply advised, "Lots of mosquitoes, be prepared."
Site privacy levels: Wildwood State Park offers varying degrees of site privacy. "I've been going to this campground every summer for at least 5 years. You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded," explains a regular visitor.
Reservation requirements: Suffolk County parks require advance planning for residents and non-residents. At Smith Point, a reviewer clarified, "ONLY DRAWBACKS, 1- YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF SUFFOLK CO, NY, 2- ONE WEEK STAY AT A TIME. PERIOD."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Blydenburgh County Park offers recreational facilities for children. "We visited in late July. Park was excellent. Grounds were as advertised. Family friendly," explains a visitor. Another mentioned, "A Long Island secret. Ranger drove around a few times to say hi. Trails were awesome."
Beach day trips: Wildwood State Park provides beach access for family outings. "You can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," explains one camper, while another added, "The beach is beautiful, very rocky, bring your water shoes, sunset scenery is beautiful!"
Facilities cleanliness: Indian Island County Park maintains good sanitation standards. "Bathrooms and showers were a good size. Rangers were driving around often," noted one visitor. Another camper shared, "The facilities were clean and more than adequate. The beaches, picnic areas and hiking trails were clean and clearly marked."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Smith Point County Park offers various hookup options for RVs. "Electric and water is nice for pop up. Little pricey compared to nys parks," explains a visitor. Another RVer noted, "Our 36ft motorhome backed up to a raised balcony overlooking the bay. Less than 100 feet from the front of our site was the beach and the Atlantic Ocean view."
Dump station access: Indian Island County Park provides convenient waste disposal. "Shore power was without any problems and park has clean heated bathroom and bike station near dump site," explains an RV camper. Another noted that while sites have "electric, water" but "those fill up fast."
Site selection strategy: Blydenburgh provides open sites for easier RV positioning. "30 or so sites around a central public restroom. The campground was really clean, and because the campground is large, you feel like there is room between you and your neighbors," shares a visitor.
